BMO Announces Allocation of $2 Million Donation to Community Organizations Supporting Those Affected by Wildfires in Alberta
CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Nov 17, 2016) - BMO Financial Group today named the charitable organizations in Alberta that will be receiving contributions as part of a $2 million donation to support rebuilding efforts in Fort McMurray.
In May 2016, BMO announced the largest donation in its history in support of customers, colleagues and communities affected by the devastating wildfires in Alberta. These funds will be allocated across the following community organizations and efforts supporting Albertans:
United Way's United for Fort McMurray fund: $500,000
Habitat for Humanity Wood Buffalo: $500,000
Keyano College for endowed bursaries to those under-insured during fires: $275,000
YMCA of Northern Alberta's Day Camps and Youth Leadership Centre: $150,000
WayPoints for women and families in crisis: $100,000
Wood's Homes' Stepping Stones program: $100,000
Canadian Red Cross: $100,000
Additional community support and events: $125,000
"Many residents and businesses across Alberta continue to be affected by the disaster in Fort McMurray and we hope this donation will help to alleviate some of these challenges as residents and local authorities – including the community's brave firefighters and first responders – continue the rebuilding process," said Susan Brown, Senior Vice President, Alberta and Northwest Territories, BMO Bank of Montreal. "We're honoured to be a part of the Fort McMurray and northern Alberta community, and have chosen organizations that will ensure these funds have a lasting impact on the strength of this community as it begins moving forward."
"BMO's generosity demonstrates a strong commitment to helping Fort McMurray rebuild and recover," says Crystal Lewis-Wilton, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Wood Buffalo. "Our Wildfire Recovery Program is geared towards helping our community's most vulnerable families who for one reason or another were under-insured or uninsured. This support will help us get families back into their homes sooner."
"This is not just the oil sands in the far north of Alberta; this is home, home to families, including children, grandparents and young adults wanting to build their future," says Diane Shannon, Executive Director, United Way Fort McMurray. "We are all recovering from the devastation of the wildfires, and we are so appreciative of companies like BMO that want to help in a meaningful way. Together, we are working to rebuild the social infrastructure that will support mental well-being, healthy families and so much more as we rebuild and heal."
About BMO Financial Group
Established in 1817, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified financial services provider based in North America. With total assets of $692 billion as of July 31, 2016, and over 45,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.
